
Photo: live oak, DeLeon Springs State Park, FL

The moon would follow us
on car rides at night
through canopies of trees
across the lake
Standing watch
Do you remember us?
I’d know your expression
on any face
You were there
when no one was
Did you know back then
what would become of us?
Teach me what you know
every old story
Show me a footpath
through the dense forest
Carry me in pieces
like moonlight on a river
Patch me into
your moonlit daughter
cracked like a desert
mint green lichen, snake-like bark
slither up the tree
one triumphant rose
carries the torch for beauty
through another summer